Is it worthwhile to ask alumni at boutique banks for informational interviews, and essentially beat around the bush this late in the game? Or would it be best to be straightforward and ask if they have any internship opportunities available? Can anybody offer some advice from experience, especially if you got started (and got offers) this late into the year? I don't want to seem rude by being too upfront, especially since I don't know any of the alumni I'm contacting, but at the same time they probably know that the only reason I'm reaching out to them is for an internship and I wouldn't want to waste their time.
As background, I'm a freshman at a semi-target with a 4.0 (and on pace for another 4.0 this semester) with majors in econ and math.
I'm a freshman at a non-target and I didn't start networking until March this year. Your best bet would be to cold e-mail alumni and ask to speak with them about their experiences in the industry, as well as any summer internship opportunities that may be available at their firm. I would highly advise against saying "informational interview", I've had zero responses from alumni when I used to include that.
Having a 4.0 at a semi-target is great, and will work in your favor, but since your a freshman it really doesn't mean too much because, like myself, we haven't been through the accounting/finance courses sophomores and juniors have. You're going to need to do a lot of outside reading and studying to be on par knowledge wise with whatever department you'd like an internship at.
It's also important that during your initial phone conversation with whomever you contact that you at least bring up internships in that first phone call. Being this late in the game you don't want to have to wait until May for your 2nd phone call, and by that time it'll be too late. That's why I always include the summer internship mention in my first cold e-mail. You're not explicitly asking for a position, but you're saying just enough to get the thought in their mind. During all of my informational interviews they were always the ones who brought up any positions they might have at their firm.
Calling won't hurt. Try for PWM's or other finance related roles. Boutique's (at least unpaid ones) may still be looking. Friend of mine just got an offer from a boutique and we go to a SUPER non-target
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